Arietis, Vandières, Brut Nature

Wine Description for Arietis Vandières Brut Nature by Alexis

Colour & Appearance

Medium straw yellow with fine, elegant perlage that bears witness to the extended time spent ageing on the lees.

Nose

A creamy, seductive bouquet that evokes vanilla butter and lemon curd on warm Japanese milk bread. Complemented by notes of mandarin, a hint of Cointreau and white tea. Despite its complexity, the aroma remains remarkably bright and clear – a testament to the precise work in the cellar.

Palate

Here Alexis Leconte demonstrates his full mastery: the balance between bright fruit and brilliant pressure is impressive. Citric notes meet tree fruit, cape gooseberry and hop shoots, underpinned by a fine smoky note. The acidity cuts like a freshly honed Damascus blade – elegant, sharp and highly effective. Brioche, vanilla and toast combine with the citrus notes to create a multi-layered taste experience.

Finish

Long and precise with a pleasant salinity that lends the Champagne additional depth. The citric notes linger, accompanied by a hint of white tea.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from the Lieux-dits La Perchotte and La Forzie in Vandières in the Vallée de la Marne. The soils are a complex blend of calcareous marl, clay and sand, which give the wine its mineral precision.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Pinot Meunier – a bold decision that pays off. Aged in 400-litre tonneaux without malolactic fermentation, which preserves the vibrant acidity structure. Tirage in April 2020, dégorgement in March 2022. Brut Nature – no dosage, the wine speaks for itself.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The precision and salinity make it the perfect companion for oysters with fried chorizo, Southern Fried Chicken or medallions of saddle pork with figs and chanterelles.

Special Features

A single-varietal Meunier without dosage – a statement for purism and terroir expression. The extended lees ageing of almost two years lends the Champagne extraordinary complexity whilst maintaining freshness.